Sporting events in Spain (En)

SPORTING EVENTS in Spain

Front Page: IAAF/Trinidad Alfonso WHM Valencia 2018, Valencia.

INTRODUCTION

Don't think twice about coming to Spain, the best place to enjoy electrifying sporting events.

Spain is a world leader in sport. Come and enjoy it live and feel all the passion. This is a country which gives all in sporting events and has a long-standing tradition of success in football, cycling, tennis, water sports, motor racing...

Enjoy performances by the best professionals or try to beat your own record in idyllic natural surroundings. Spain's geographical diversity and unbeatable climate are ideal for attending sporting events or enjoying the sports themselves right through the year.

Spain is truly a paradise for water sports and diving. Explore the extraordinary seabeds in the Canary and

Balearic Islands, enjoy surfing on the fantastic waves in the Cantabrian Sea and sailing on the Mediterranean coast.

You can play golf on courses where international tournaments are staged or run a marathon in cities full of history. If you're a football fan, LaLiga includes unique games like the so-called El Clásico between two of the best clubs in the world: Real Madrid and F.C. Barcelona.

From Sierra Nevada to the Pyrenees you'll find some of the best ski resorts in Europe. You can enjoy the snow or the adventure of hiking in incredible mountain landscapes.

SPORTING EVENTS IN SPAIN

Whilst you're enjoying your favourite sport you can explore our country, world champion in traveller satisfaction and idyllic countryside.

COME FOR A RUN IN SPAIN

Spain has a passion for running, something you see everyday in the cities and in hundreds of competitions held all over the country throughout the year. But the star of the show must be the marathon and here there's something for everyone: urban, nocturnal, in the mountains or beside the sea.

Bring your running shoes and come for a run in some of the most beautiful cities in Spain. Whilst you’re here, enjoy a little tourism and some exquisite cuisine. Here are a few suggestions for some of the most interesting races:

VALENCIA TRINIDAD ALFONSO MARATHON

Do you like running in good weather, near the sea and with an appreciative crowd watching? The circuit in Valencia is absolutely flat and next to the avant-garde City of Arts and Sciences, with a temperature of between 17 and 22ºC and excellent organisation. It must have something if the IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) has awarded the Gold Label classification to both the marathon and the half marathon. The spectacular finish line is located on a gangway over the water next to the Umbracle and the Science Museum.

If these races are a bit too much for you, then you could try the 10 km parallel race for amateurs and those who can't resist the temptation of running through the centre of one of the most attractive cities in the Mediterranean.

After making such an effort you deserve a reward: make your way to the town of El Saler where you can enjoy a fantastic paella in the Albufera Nature Reserve.

L Where: Valencia

When: December

www.valenciaciudaddelrunning.com

a IAAF 2018 WORLD HALF MARATHON CHAMPIONSHIP VALENCIA

a IAAF WORLD MARATHON CHAMPIONSHIP VALENCIA b PAELLA

Photo: Trinidad Alfonso Foundation

Photo: © FCG/Shutterstock.com

TRANSVULCANIA

The beautiful island of La Palma, in the Canary Islands, hosts one of the hardest and most spectacular races in Spain. If you like running in the mountains, here there's a spectacular circuit in extraordinary surroundings: the Caldera de Taburiente National Park, a rugged, natural marvel of volcanic origin. You'll feel like you're flying with an incredible sea of clouds at your feet as you climb up to the Roque de los Muchachos observatory.

You can choose between half marathon, marathon, ultramarathon and vertical kilometre and keep training as this is one of the most demanding challenges on the international circuit.

L Where: La Palma (Canary Islands)

When: May

www.transvulcania.com/

OTHER EVENTS FOR RUNNERS

In the Basque Country/Euskadi, there are two important events in the autumn: the Bilbao Night Marathon (a real night-running feast with the finish line at the Guggenheim Museum) and the Donostia/San Sebastián Marathon (a beautiful route with views of the Kursaal and the Playa de La Concha). Two extraordinary cities where you can enjoy the Cantabrian Sea and try the famous pintxos, traditional, exquisite local tapas

At the end of February you can take a route past iconic sites like the Plaza de España, the Golden Tower and the Giralda, as you run the Seville Marathon

A great opportunity for exploring the monumental attractions of one of the most beautiful cities in Andalusia.

Other outstanding events on the national scene are the Rock'n'Roll Madrid Marathon, the Barcelona Marathon and the Vitoria-Gasteiz

Martín Fiz Marathon, which are held in the spring. Three amazing cities with some of the best museums and monuments in the country.

When making your travel arrangements, look for special offers in flights and accommodation that are usually available for this type of events.

L Where: several venues

When: several dates

www.totalenergiesbilbaomarathon.com

www.maratonsansebastian.com

www.zurichmaratonsevilla.es

www.rocknrollmadridrun.com

www.zurichmaratobarcelona.es

www.maratonmartinfiz.com

TRANSVULCANIA LA PALMA, CANARY ISLANDS

Photo: Transvulcania

FOOTBALL

How about enjoying the skills of some of the world's best players? Would you like to enjoy the incredible atmosphere with the fans in first-class stadiums or experience the excitement of a historic match?

All this is possible in LaLiga, one of the most spectacular and prestigious football leagues in the world.

From the friendly matches and summer tournaments played in the summer right up to the final day of the league, twenty teams compete for a trophy where the key factor is consistency. The top stars play an important role and in this regard, there are few leagues to rival the Spanish league. Here we have had some of the best players in the world, like Messi, Ronaldo and Griezmann.

In Spain, football is a fiesta both on and off the pitch. Feel the passion on the terraces in the stadiums, or in a bar where you can enjoy the match if you couldn't get a ticket. If you want to go to a match, check the calendar on the LaLiga website (www.laliga.es) and buy your ticket on the football club's own website or at the ticket office in the stadium. Enjoy the thrill of being on the terraces with the fans, from the kick-off until the final whistle.

EL CLÁSICO: REAL VERSUS BARÇA

If Spanish football is renowned for anything, apart from the national team's recent successes in European and World Championships, it is the rivalry between its two most popular and successful teams. FC Barcelona and Real Madrid have millions of fans worldwide and when they play each other it's usually quite an event. In these matches, known as El Clásico, they are not only playing for the points with a view to winning the championship, there is a passionate rivalry going back over a hundred years.

While you're in Spain you can explore their history and the trophies they have won in their respective stadiums, two of the most spectacular in the world. In Madrid you should visit the Santiago

Would you like to see amazing comebacks, incredible moves and unbelievable dribbling? If you love football, then Spain is the place for you.

Bernabéu to see the 14 European Cups in the Trophy Room, have a guided tour all around the stadium's facilities or enjoy a match from one of the exclusive VIP boxes. In Barcelona, the Camp Nou invites you to its Football Museum, where you can see the team’s trophies, the space dedicated to Leo Messi and its five Golden Ball Awards, and enjoy the interactive Camp Nou Experience.

Apart from these two great clubs, there are other historical teams in LaLiga with great players, Atlético de Madrid, Valencia, Seville and Athletic Club de Bilbao. Some of the most exciting games are derby matches between teams from the same city, when there'll be an incredible atmosphere on every street corner and in every bar in the town. Learn more whilst you're here and enjoy this real passion for football.

L Where: 20 football stadiums all over Spain

When: from August to June www.laliga.es

GOLF

Come and see why Spain leads the field in European golf tourism. Apart from being able to attend great tournaments in which the great stars of this sport take part, you'll be amazed by the quality and variety of courses available for you to play on. You'll find them in extraordinary natural surroundings, both on the coast and in the interior, and they are the best calling card for this haven for lovers of golf.

ANDALUSIA MASTERS

In October, the best players on the European Tour play in this tournament, one of the most prestigious in the country. You can watch some of the best international stars, including the great Spanish players Sergio García (multiple-time winner of the tournament) and Jon Rahm.

This event has taken place several times at the famous Real Club Valderrama (San Roque-Cádiz), one of the best golf clubs in Spain and one of the most attractive in continental Europe, designed by the English architect Robert Trent Jones. Surrounded by beautiful forests, this spectacular course is exquisitely maintained. In fact it was the first course

b ANDALUSIA MASTERS

Photo: ©RC Valderrama

a ANDALUSIA MASTERS

Photo: ©RC Valderrama

in Europe outside the British Isles to stage the Ryder Cup. It has some really difficult holes, like the 8th and the 16th, with trees and bunkers near the green which present a serious challenge even to experienced golfers. Here you're in the heart of the Costa del Golf, so while you're enjoying your golf on the Valderrama course, you can also explore Andalusia and the province of Málaga with towns like Marbella, Benahavís and Estepona, known as the Golden Triangle. A luxurious destination with the highest concentration of golf courses in mainland Spain. For more information go to: www.andalucia.org/es/golf

L Where: Cádiz

When: it is usually in October www.estrelladammandaluciamasters. golf

SPANISH OPEN, MADRID

With over 100 years since the first edition, this is one of Europe's longest standing golf tournaments. This tournament is once again part of the European Tour, and has seen the participation of past legends like Severiano Ballesteros, Arnold Palmer and Robert Karlsson. Come and enjoy this spectacular sporting event, open to everyone and all the family.

The atmosphere created by the Spanish spectators and the venue itself are prominent features. Located near the centre of Madrid and with easy access, the Club de Campo Villa de Madrid has impeccable facilities and a course which is suitable for every level, from beginners to professionals.

L Where: Club de Campo Villa de Madrid, Madrid

When: it is usually in October

Spain has hosted major international golf competitions, such as the Ryder Cup and the Solheim Cup.

SPAIN INTERNATIONAL LADIES' SENIOR DOUBLES AND SINGLES

In Spain, apart from important competitions on the European circuit, there are other tournaments in different categories. Each year the best veteran ladies on the international circuit come to Spain to compete in attrac-

tive venues like the Málaga Parador Hotel, the Isla Canela Golf Complex (Ayamonte, Huelva) and the La Manga Club (Cartagena, Murcia).

L Where: venue changes each year

When: March

SPAIN INTERNATIONAL LADIES' SENIOR DOUBLES AND SINGLES MADRID

SPAIN INTERNATIONAL LADIES' SENIOR DOUBLES AND SINGLES MADRID

CYCLING

Discover one of the best ways of exploring Spain while watching your favourite sport. Numerous tours and competitions pass through great cities and charming little towns all over Spain, as well as over incredible mountain passes and through spectacular countryside.

VUELTA CICLISTA CYCLE RACE AROUND SPAIN

It's one of the most important stage races in the international cycling calendar, not only because it is so demanding and the best in the world compete, but also because it takes place in such splendid surroundings. Following the "multi-coloured serpent" (name given to the peloton because it is so colourful) you'll visit spectacular places like the Picos de Europa National Park and the Pyrenees.

The cyclists cover over 3,200 kilometres divided into 21 stages of very different types: flat, individual and team time trial, mixed terrain and high mountain. The route usually includes incredible, firstrate mountain passes like La Covatilla (Salamanca), the Angliru (Asturias) and the Bola del Mundo (Navacerrada, Madrid), where you'll experience the true essence of cycling. It's a test of these world-renowned cyclists' resist-

a VUELTA CICLISTA CYCLE RACE AROUND SPAIN

Photo: ASO/Unipublic/PhotoGomezSport

ance, talent and efforts, and you'll get to see them close-up in all the stages.

The final stage is in Madrid, on an urban circuit running between the Paseo de la Castellana and the Plaza de Cibeles, which gives you a chance to visit some of the city's main attractions. The final stage is traditionally

a triumphant parade for the winner of La Vuelta, with a thrilling sprint finish.

L Where: 21 stages all over Spain with the final in Madrid

When: between August and September www.lavuelta.es

Photo:

TENNIS

Spain's tennis tradition, both on the men's and ladies' tour, can clearly be seen in important tournaments taking place in attractive venues like Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Gijón, Santander and Mallorca.

Photo: MUTUA MADRID TENNIS OPEN

MUTUA MADRID TENNIS OPEN

Score game, set and match watching the best in the world in the Caja Mágica

Each year, the best players in the ATP and WTA rankings compete in Madrid for the second Masters 1000 on clay, a tournament which has seen Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova and Simona Halep. But if there's anyone with real connections to this tournament, this is the Spanish player Rafa Nadal, who has won it five times and taken part in some memorable matches. His successor in the Madrid Open looks to be Carlos Alcaraz from Spain.

The facilities in the Caja Mágica, designed by the architect Dominique Perrault, are a real surprise. There are three courts with a retractable roof (they can still play even when there is rain, snow or strong winds) and numerous outdoor clay courts. The centre court (Manolo Santana Stadium) with 12,500 people creates a truly festive atmosphere.

If you come to this tournament you'll enjoy much more than aces, smashes and passing shots. The venue becomes a great leisure centre for spectators of all ages, with ten days of music, fun, entertainment and activities.

Apart from a large shopping centre where you'll find the most prominent Spanish and international brands, you can also take part in a virtual tennis tournament which attracts more and more players each year. The winner of this tournament gets to meet the winners of the Madrid Open face-to-face.

RAFA NADAL MUTUA MADRID TENNIS OPEN

Photo: MUTUA MADRID TENNIS OPEN

You can watch games from a unique perspective, as if you were the HawkEye, in the Tennis Garden, a walkway over the courts where you can see the players in action like you've never done before.

L Where: Caja Mágica, Madrid. When: usually in May www.mutuamadridopen.com

MALLORCA CHAMPIONSHIPS

Enjoy your favourite sport surrounded by beautiful bays with calm waters, idyllic landscapes and fantastic holiday complexes. In the southwest of the island of Mallorca, at the foot of the Sierra de Tramontana mountains, you'll find the district of Santa Ponça (Calvià), the venue for the nail-biting final of the

grass-court tour before Wimbledon. The best players in the world compete here, on courts which take those in Wimbledon as an example.

You can watch unforgettable matches from the stands around the centre court or get a privileged view from the terraces in the up-to-date club house. Between the drives, backhands and volleys, you can take a break and enjoy the exclusive shopping centre or cool off in the pool area. The area surrounding the venue is also up to the challenge: Mallorca is full of lush forests, charming towns and villages and idyllic beaches.

L Where: Mallorca Country Club (Santa Ponça, Calviá)

When: usually in June www.mallorca-championships.com

a MUTUA MADRID TENNIS OPEN

Photo: MUTUA MADRID TENNIS OPEN

WATER SPORTS

Spain has nearly 6,000 kilometres of coastline home to countless idyllic places and extraordinary beaches ideal for practising all kinds of water-based sports. The warm climate, sea currents and all kinds of winds, as well as a fantastic atmosphere both during the day and at night, have made Spain a global point of reference for surfers, kitesurfers and windsurfers, especially places like Tarifa, the Cantabrian coast and the Canary Islands

THE OCEAN RACE (SAILING)

The beautiful city of Alicante, capital of the Costa Blanca, has been the headquarters and starting point for this round-the-world yacht race since 2008. It is one of the longest and most thrilling ocean regattas and takes place every three years.

For nine long months, the world's best sailors compete against each other day and night on a journey of some 45,000 nautical miles across the most demanding oceans on the planet. It is a frenetic race in 11 stages and you can watch the start in the spectacular port of Alicante.

This is where you'll also find the The Ocean Race Museum which displays

an interactive presentation of the history of the regatta, some of the yachts which have taken part and a large operations room monitoring the competition 24 hours a day.

Make the most of your stay in Alicante to enjoy the beaches and the exquisite cuisine. We have three suggestions for you: try some homemade, craft ice-cream on the promenade, visit the picturesque Santa Cruz neighbourhood and go up to the Castle of Santa Bárbara for fantastic views of the blue Mediterranean.

L Where: Port of Alicante

When: every three years

www.theoceanrace.com

` PALMAVELA REGATTA BALEARIC ISLANDS

Photo: Nico Martinez/Martinez Studio

PALMAVELA REGATTA

Dozens of yachts riding the waves of the Mediterranean, a pleasant sea breeze and extraordinary Balearic Island landscapes are a temptation which is hard to resist. This regatta is a blend of the Balearic Island seafaring tradition and a top-flight sport's competition which gets better every year that goes by.

PalmaVela started out as a regatta exclusively for Maxis (enormous single-hull yachts), but has since added a number of other categories and is now a prestigious event on the international circuit thanks to impeccable organization and the numerous additional attractions of islands like Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera. 16 classes of amateur and professional yachts take part in the regatta, providing some uniquely beautiful scenes.

The Real Club Náutico de Palma de Mallorca is the main headquarters for this competition in which the main attraction are the really big yachts, but you'll also see some speedy, light carbon fibre boats, extraordinary classic yachts, agile one-design yachts and thrilling regattas in real time.

Spain has a long tradition in this sport, we are fourth in the historical Olympic medals table, and each May, PalmaVela marks the beginning of the sailing season in the Mediterranean.

a PALMAVELA REGATTA BALEARIC ISLANDS

a PALMAVELA REGATTA BALEARIC ISLANDS

Photo: © Maria Muina I Sailingshots.es

Photo: © Maria Muina I Sailingshots.es

Did you know Spain is the ideal setting for the most prestigious sailing competitions? Valencia and Barcelona have been chosen as the hosts for America’s Cup in 2007, 2010 and 2024; and Cadiz waters have welcomed Sail GP trials on several occasions.

Every day, when the races finish, there is so much to keep you busy, and plenty of chance to relax and enjoy Mallorca's cuisine and tourist attractions. The Yacht Club itself and the seafront promenade are ideal for sitting down on a terrace for an exotic cocktail while enjoying the beautiful sunset.

L Where: Real Club Náutico de Palma de Mallorca (Mallorca)

When: May www.palmavela.com

SPANISH OPTIMIST CHAMPIONSHIP (SAILING)

The new generations of Spain's sailors meet in a regatta which brings together the country's elite children and youngsters. Boy and girls from 11 to 15 years old compete for the prized Spanish Championship and to become the sport's promises for the future in an atmosphere of physical effort and idyllic natural surroundings.

L Where: different venues

When: March-April

LAS AMÉRICAS PRO TENERIFE (SURFING)

Surfing on an idyllic beach with sunshine and warm temperatures in January? This is only possible in a unique venue like the Canary Islands, a place of pilgrimage for surfers from all over the world who come not only for the weather but for an international championship like the Las Américas Pro.

In the Tenerife district of Arona and the Playa de Las Américas they live and breathe surfing, especially when the professionals come to compete in this competition which is part of the Qualifying Series for the World Surf League in both the men's and ladies' categories.

After not being included for several years, the venue has returned to the agenda thanks to unique features like the renowned "izquierda de Las Palmeras", a long, left tube wave where you have room to make spectacular moves and tubes. It's also a great chance

for riders and spectators to sunbathe on the beaches in the Costa Adeje, enjoy the island's volcanic landscapes and unspoiled nature and visit unique cities like Santa Cruz de Tenerife and San Cristóbal de la Laguna (a UNESCO World Heritage City).

Las Américas is on a small peninsular on the west coast of the island, with winds coming from almost every direction which makes it even more spectacular, and the fun continues on the beach far away from the surfboards and the waves. The seafront promenade known as Las Verónicas is the main leisure centre, with festivities at any time of the day and night, dozens of clubs, live music venues and all kinds of bars.

L Where: Playa de Las Américas, Arona (Tenerife, Canary Islands)

When: January-February www.worldsurfleague.com

PANTÍN CLASSIC GALICIA PRO, A CORUÑA (SURFING)

There are a lot of surfing competitions in the World Surf League, but none like the one in Pantín. Is it because of the consistency and variety of the waves, the hill overlooking the whole of the beach or the surrounding countryside where the blue of the sea blends with Galicia's green meadows? In any case, the sum of these three attractions make it truly seductive.

Pantín, also known as O Rodo has seen the participation of several world surfing champions, including Joel Perkinson, one of the best surfers of all time. Since the first edition in 1988, the world's surfing elite have not failed to appear, partly because the beach enjoys one of the highest percentages of days in the year ideal for surfing in the world. Whenever you come, you'll be able to do your thing on the surfboard.

It is open to waves from the west and the northwest and the area has a very high ecological value with well-preserved seabeds, extraordinary cliffs and beautiful sand dunes. Both the organisation and those attending are fully committed to preserving the environment.

Apart from watching some of the world's best surfers in action, during the event there are numerous parallel activities like children's workshops, skating, firstaid courses, surfing courses for beginners, concerts, DJ sessions, etc.

L Where: Playa de Pantín, Valdoviño (A Coruña)

When: August-September www.pantinclassic.org

Photo: PANTÍN CLASSIC GALICIA PRO

FUERTEVENTURA WINDSURFING & KITEBOARDING WORLD CUP

Fine, white sand, turquoise-blue waters and incomparable conditions for windsurfing and kiteboarding. That's what awaits you at the Playa de Sotavento on the Jandía peninsular (Fuerteventura, Islas Canarias), where the best windsurfers in the world meet each year. An essential part of the world championship programme for over thirty years.

There's nowhere else you'll get such a close-up of the global stars of this sport than in this beautiful part of Fuerteventura. The strong winds are

ideal for the extraordinary jumps, acrobatics and great speeds you'll see in this competition brimming with breathtaking action.

During the day there is a marquee serving local culinary delights and there are activities for all the family. Then at night there is a fantastic festive atmosphere for you to have fun until daybreak.

L Where: Playa de Sotavento, Jandía (Fuerteventura,Canary Islands)

When: July and August

www.fuerteventura-worldcup.org

Photo: © rene-egli.com/Team Tillmanns

SPAIN KITEBOARDING LEAGUE

Three beautiful beaches on the coastline of Spin are the venues for this league which brings together the best riders on the Spanish kiteboarding scene.

On the beaches of Isla Canela, Oliva and Tarifa is where you'll see the participants flying over the waves in what is the most important national competition held in Spain. The local residents of these three towns are great supporters of this spectacular water sport.

During the day you can watch baptisms (beginners courses), exhibitions and master classes and finish the day with a concert or a festival for a unique experience. Come and try it yourself and you'll discover some of the best places in Europe to enjoy this sport.

L Where: Isla Canela (Huelva), Oliva (Valencia), Tarifa (Cádiz)

When: April, June and September

a FUERTEVENTURA WINDSURFING & KITEBOARDING WORLD CUP

Photo: © rene-egli.com/Team Tillmanns

MOTOR SPORTS

Experience the passion for motor sports in a country with an exceptional climate and great Formula 1, MotoGP, World Rally Car, trial and Motocross events. Spain's never ending reserve of young talent is a great attraction for the legion of fans who follow their achievements race after race.

Photo: Miquel Rovira/ Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya

SPANISH FORMULA I GRAND PRIX, MONTMELÓ

The lights turn green, the engines roar and the fans go wild with the spectacle of the world's fastest cars. Right up to the chequered flag, you'll see all kinds of overtaking, tyre changes at impossible speeds and incredible rivalry between the best drivers in the world. Enjoy all the excitement of Formula 1 on a historical track.

The unique circuit in Montmeló is an extraordinary combination of a long straight where the cars reach over 300 kilometres per hour and a final sector full of really technical bends which test the drivers to the full. Watch out for bend 10, where braking is really intense and overtaking is frequent. The chicane at bends 14 and 15, added in 2017, is another decisive factor.

a SPANISH FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX MONTMELÓ

SPANISH FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX MONTMELÓ

Photo: Miquel Rovira/ Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya

As a spectator you'll be watching everything that happens on the track and enjoying the incredible atmosphere in the stands, with spectators cheering on their favourite drivers from the warm-up right through to the end of the race after 66 laps.

And a Grand Prix involves so much more than the race day. During the two days prior to the race you have the practice and qualifying sessions to decide each car's position on the starting grid. As the city fills up with motor racing fans, there are numerous parallel activities (music, street markets, children's attractions...) with the fans of pilots like Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Räikkönen in mind.

If you're thinking of coming you'll need to buy your tickets well in advance. Even though the Circuito de Cataluña has room for over 140,000 spectators, it is usually a complete sell-out for the spectacular Formula 1 race.

L Where: BarcelonaCataluña Circuit, Montmeló (Barcelona)

When: May www.circuitcat.com

RACC RALLY CATALONIA-COSTA DAURADA

Experience the passion for rally-driving in the beautiful countryside and roads around the Sierra de Montsant, the Sierra de Prades and the Terra Alta and enjoy the delights of the extraordinary Costa Daurada

This race is part of the World Rally Car (WRC) programme and starts in Port Aventura (Salou), one of Europe's most entertaining and comprehensive theme parks, ideal for spending an unforgettable weekend with your family. The time trials take place on really select routes which challenge the world's best rally drivers to the limit.

Between 2026-2035, the Spanish Formula 1 Grand Prix will take place in Madrid.

A perfect combination of speed and risk in which every little skid counts in this race which may decide the championship as it is the last but one in the calendar. It's also the only mixed rally in the world, with stages on both dirt track and tarmac, which means that victory must go to the best all-round vehicle.

One of the time-trials takes place along the streets of the promenade in Salou, a seaside town with endless leisure attractions.

L Where: province of Tarragona, Catalonia

When: October www.rallyracc.com

SPANISH MOTOGP GRAND PRIX, JEREZ

The MotoGP in Jerez (Cádiz) is much more than a race. It's one of the greatest concentrations of bikers in the world, with thousands of bikes and a festive atmosphere that invades the streets of Jerez and the area surrounding the Jerez Ángel Nieto Circuit

Come and get a closer look at what is the fourth race in the MotoGP World Championship, a really special week in the agenda for all bike fans, for whom this is a real Mecca. During the first two days you have the practice and qualifying sessions for the different categories: Moto3, MotoGP and Moto2, to define the starting grid for the races which take place on Sunday.

You'll find the hilly area around the circuit as interesting as the track. The

beautiful Andalusian countryside is a wonderful setting for a race which attracts over 140,000 spectators located all around the circuit.

The Jerez Grand Prix is also an opportunity for a bike tour around the province of Cádiz to explore the delights of the White-Villages Route (Grazalema, Zahara de la Sierra, Setenil de las Bodegas…), a host of spectacular beaches (those in Zahara de los Atunes, Barbate and Tarifa are some of the most popular in Europe) and you can enjoy the real seafaring atmosphere.

L Where: Jerez Ángel Nieto Circuit, Jerez de la Frontera (Cádiz) When: April-May www.circuitodejerez.com

SPAIN

a SPANISH MOTOGP GRAND PRIX JEREZ

Photo: Jerez-Ángel Nieto Circuit

Photo: Jerez-Ángel Nieto Circuit

EQUESTRIAN EVENTS

There is a long tradition of equestrian events in Spain, home to the Spanish Pure-Bred or Andalusian horse. You can visit some of the places where some of the best horses are bred and enjoy top-flight competitions in several parts of Spain.

MADRID HORSE WEEK

Madrid becomes the equestrian capital for a week in November with an event in a single venue which includes the arena for the competitions, a large shopping centre and numerous parallel activities for all the family. You can bring your children who can learn about horses and enjoy themselves in the Poni Park.

b MADRID HORSE WEEK

MADRID HORSE WEEK

Photo: Real Federación Hípica Española

Photo: Real Federación Hípica Española

The multi-purpose Institución Ferial de Madrid (IFEMA) trade-fair enclosure is the venue for the a number of competitions and exhibitions including the Maestros de la Vaquera Cup, the Show Jumping World Cup and the World Equestrian Vaulting Cup.

Apart from the competitions, you also have the Salón del Caballo which organises a number of activities, including: western dressage shows, vaulting exhibitions, dressage and sessions on the health and care of horses.

L Where: Institución Ferial de Madrid, IFEMA (Madrid)

When: November

www.madridhorseweek.com

Photo: Real Federación Hípica Española

MADRID HORSE WEEK

MADRID HORSE WEEK

Photo: Real Federación Hípica Española

CLASSICAL AND DISABLED DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIP

You can discover the keys to this Olympic discipline, based on the coordination between the rider and the horse, in a number of cities in Spain. The aim of the sport is to highlight the strength and skill of the horse which should make increasingly difficult movements in response to orders given by the rider.

There are numerous events and official competitions in Spain. For example, one of Spain's most prestigious tournaments, the Copa de S.M. el Rey de Doma Clásica or King's Dressage Cup, is held in the Club de Campo Villa de Madrid in October and November.

L Where: several venues

When: check the agenda for the Real Federación de Hípica de España (Spanish Equestrian Federation)

Photo: Real Federación Hípica Española

a MADRID HORSE WEEK